September 27, 2009

Columnists Corner

Richard Justice, Houston Chronicle: The victory over Texas Tech won't put Houston on the national map. A victory over Oklahoma State had already done that. This one simply will verify that it belongs there.

Ron Higgins, Memphis Commercial Appeal: New Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen learned a simple lesson on Saturday. When it's third down and six inches from the touchdown that could give your team its first victory over a top 10 opponent since 2000, you don't call a jump pass thrown by a 5-11 quarterback who has already had several passes batted down during the game.

Shannon Shelton, Detroit Free Press: Michigan State gives the appearance of a team in some state of disarray, continually tinkering with the starting lineup in an effort to find some combination that works. The quarterback situation, once a source of positive anticipation, looks more and more like a source of confusion. No running back has proven consistent enough to be the main ballcarrier.

Drew Sharp, Detroit Free Press: Are you ready for Michigan-Michigan State week? Pardon Sharp while he yawns.

Cam Inman, Oakland Tribune: Looming on the possible horizon for California: a snowball that resembles the 2007 avalanche that sent the Bears from a possible No. 1 ranking to six losses in their final seven regular-season games.

Sean Keeler, Des Moines Register: Iowa staked a gigantic claim to title of best in the Big Ten on Saturday at Penn State's Beaver Stadium.

Scott Bordow, East Valley Tribune: No shame for Arizona State in its loss at Georgia, only disappointment.

John Adams, Knoxville News-Sentinel: A week after Tennessee distinguished itself in a 10-point loss to No. 1-ranked Florida, it executed a disturbing flip-flop in a 34-23 victory over Ohio University.

Steve Kelley, Seattle Times: It took one win against one of the most storied programs in the game for Washington — its players, its boosters, its alums — to feel good again about college football. And it took only one more weekend to remind everyone how hard it is going to be to maintain momentum.

Geoff Calkins, Memphis Commercial Appeal: It has to be over. After nine seasons and a lot of good memories, the Tommy West era at Memphis will end after this year.